New York’s shopping malls are finally going to be given the opportunity to reopen this week, according to new guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The word came down in a press conference held Wednesday.
Starting Friday malls will be able to open in regions that have entered Phase 4 of reopening if they have implemented an enhanced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning filtration system and follow proper ventilation protocols.
HVAC systems will be required to include filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – or MERV – rating of which filters out the COVID-19 virus, but can, if the system makes additional protections, run on a minimum MERV of 11.
Ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.
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